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Healthy Teeth During the Holidays
The holiday season is full of friends, family, and lots of delicious foods. With it also comes treats and temptations that may be risky for our dental health. However, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your smile stays healthy. Here are some tips for taking care of your pearly whites during the holiday season.
1) Eat Foods that are Good for Your Teeth
Many of the foods that we know to be good for our health (and waistline) are also good for our teeth. Fruits and vegetables scrub your teeth when you eat them, removing food particles that can build up into plaque. Cheese is another great snacking option because it contains natural cavity-fighting agents, as well as vitamins that strengthen teeth. 1
2) Avoid Foods that are Bad for Your Teeth
It is best to eat as few sugary foods as possible but there are certain varieties that can be particularly problematic. These include:
– Hard candies, candy canes, peanut brittle, etc.
– Chewy candies, dried fruits, caramels, taffy, etc.
– Sugary holiday drinks such as eggnog, cider, hot chocolate, wine, etc.
Tip: If you do decide to indulge in a few sweets, eat them with your meal rather than after (The excess saliva will help wash down the sugar so it doesn’t linger on your teeth).
3) Don’t Use Your Teeth to Open Packages or Bottles
Using your teeth to open a well-packaged gift, stubborn bottle cap or cork could cause a cracked tooth and lead to extensive dental work. Opt instead for scissors, pocket knives, or a bottle opener and spare your teeth.
4) Don’t Bite Your Nails
For many, the holidays can also be filled with stress. A nail-biting habit is bad for your fingernails and teeth, not to mention the possibility of spreading germs. The habit is also linked to teeth grinding, clenching, jaw problems, facial pain, and sensitive teeth.2
5) Stick with Your Daily Oral Hygiene Routine
It is important to stick to a thorough dental hygiene routine throughout the entire year but especially when your teeth may be exposed to an excess of sugar and bacteria. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice per day and consider mouthwash for an extra clean mouth!
6) Schedule Your Cleaning & Checkup to start the New Year!
Start the new year off with a regular checkup and cleaning with your dentist. Here at Pleasant St Dental in East Longmeadow, MA, you can easily request an appointment online!
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